Summer police patrols 'not there to ruin fun'

Ch Supt Ben Deer wants holidaymakers to enjoy the beauty of Cornwall

Police want holidaymakers to enjoy summer breaks responsibly, senior officers say.

Devon and Cornwall Police officers are stepping up patrols in coastal areas, open spaces and inland parks, as well as in marked and unmarked police cars on busy roads during the peak holiday season.

Cornwall commander Chief Superintendent Ben Deer said the extra people, more traffic on the roads and antisocial behaviour during the long summer days placed demands on the force and added: "We see a significant upturn in policing."

He said the force was using hotspot funding and increased antisocial behaviour patrols on beaches to "ensure that people enjoy the area, but do it so responsibly".

Holidaymakers are expected to enjoy beaches like Watergate Bay

Ch Supt Deer said: "We are not there to ruin people's fun, far from it - please do come and enjoy Cornwall - but do so in a way that doesn't detract from this beautiful county."

He said the spikes in policing demand came from "the increased population, the incidents that we get across the road network, general anti-social behaviour and usual crime that you will get with a larger population here".

In July and August last year, police attended 701 incidents involving antisocial behaviour (ASB), with 47 arrests in the county.

They also had 630 ASB callouts in September and October combined.

Ch Supt Deer said: "Enjoy yourself, enjoy the beautiful pubs and restaurants, but do it responsibly."

He said part of what the patrols also aimed to do was help reduce extra pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.

In Devon, extra officers were being deployed in Barnstaple, Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay, Newquay, police leaders said.

'Plan ahead'

Police are also working with partners including the Community Safety Partnership to address the "root causes" of perennial street drinking, rather than just moving people on, he said.

Chief Supt Deer advised motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys "so that we don't end up with accidents where people are stopping quickly, for instance".

He also reminded people to stick to the speed limit and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

He added: "With the huge influx of visitors and more people spending time outside, it's usual for us to receive reports in July and August relating to antisocial behaviour, road safety and crimes where alcohol is involved."